Projects

Raversyde

Connected by two kilometres of open or subterranean corridors, the over 60 bunkers, observation posts and artillery positions in Raversyde constitute one of the best preserved parts of the German Atlantikwall. This defence line was built by the Germans during the Second World War from the French-Spanish border to Norway. The site also houses the only preserved German coastal battery from the First World War. The Prince Charles Memorial keeps the memory alive of Prince Charles, who settled on the domain after his regency (1944-1950). A masterplan has been made in order to restore the site and to modernise the exhibitions. At this moment, several parts of this masterplan are being realised.

Located in town of Leffrinckoucke, France, the Fort of the Dunes is a remarkable example of Séré de Rivières military architecture. Built in the late 19th century, it was the witness of tragic events during the Second World War, which he still bears the scars. After visiting the exhibition in the barrack block, why not tour the exterior of the fort with the help of an audio-guide. This will take you onto a newly laid out circuit marked with explanatory stands.

Oranjemolen

Close to ‘muZEEum’ there is a windmill called Oranjemolen. In 1944 this spot was called ‘Uncle Beach’: this is where the Battle of the Scheldt took place. Because of this battle Vlissingen was part of the international battleground for a while during the Second World War at the end of 1944. Antwerp had already been liberated, but the Western Scheldt was still in enemy hands. That is why in 1944 the Battle of the Scheldt was fought and the Atlantic Wall on the island of Walcheren, where Vlissingen lies, was breached. Apart from Normandy this is the only place where this happened.

It was one of the heaviest operations of the Second World War. After five weeks the battle was won by the Allied Forces. Many thousands were killed. On the spot where the Allied Forces landed at the time there is now a memorial area. Oranjemolen is part of this. Inside the windmill there is an exhibition about the Battle of the Scheldt and the consequences it had for the population and the city of Vlissingen.

On the site called “Uncle Beach”, near the Oranjemolen, we commemorate the liberation of Flushing by the Allied forces on November 3, 1944. Vlissingen was bombed and shelled throughout the war, and was an important part of the Atlantikwall - the defensive structure built to prevent the Allied forces from reclaiming Europe. The strategic location of Vlissingen at the mouth of the Western Scheldt led to intense fighting between occupier and liberator.

In this area are several spots and objects that tell the story of the Battle of the Scheldt and WWII in Vlissingen. In the Oranjemolen you can visit an exposition about WWII. A visit can be arranged at the Zeeland Maritime muZEEum.

The history of Park Toorenvliedt and its villa dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. During Word War II, the villa was requisitioned by the German Wehrmacht and a large number of bunkers were built on the estate. The World War II heritage is brought to the attention in the Bunker museum, with information boards, a hiking route via an app and by means of poems on the bunkers. Further, the history is made interesting for children by means of a play and search route.